How To Stop Your Dog Barking When Left Alone

How To Stop Your Dog Barking When Left Alone

How To Stop Your Dog Barking When Left Alone2019-09-062019-09-06https://scampsandchamps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/logo-header-blue-letters.pngScamps and Champshttps://scampsandchamps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/doodle-barking-2965983_1920.jpg200px200px

The incessant volleys of yips, woofs and whines of dogs when
left alone can be a big problem for any dog owner and even the neighbours,
except if you live in a detached house in the countryside. All dogs bark as way
to communicate with their owners but a dog that barks continuously can cause so
much trouble. To get your dog to stop barking when left alone, you have to
first discover what triggers the reaction so you can address the situation
effectively.

Here are some common
reasons dogs bark:

Genetics

Attention
seeking/demand

Alarm

Territorial

Frustration

Boredom

Fear

Play
barking

Separation
distress

Now that we’ve identified the factors that could be causing
your dog to be especially vocal when left alone, here are some to tips to get
them to stop.

1. Mask the sounds

Generally, most dogs bark when startled as a reaction to
sounds they’re hearing. The solution here is to control the environment so you
can limit their exposure to things that get their attention, and a good way to
do that is to mask the noise with other sounds. For example, you could use a
fan, a radio, a t.v. or a white noise machine to help your canine relax and
lower their stress levels.

If you live in an apartment and share walls with others,
covering up the sound of what’s going on outside can help keep your dog calm
which in turns prevents frequent barking.

2. Use sight barriers

Another way to solve your dog’s barking problems via
environmental management is to block your pooch’s sight-line to potential
barking triggers. This solution is ideal for dogs that are
territorial/alarm/defence barkers as it aids to prevent visual stimulation
which can trigger your dog.

For outdoors, you can cut off visual access by using private
fencing or privacy hedges in the garden.
If your dog stays indoors, you
can leave the curtains closed or close the blinds. Alternatively, you can use
place removable plastic films which allows light in but make the windows
opaque. Be sure to place the window film a few inches above your dog’s line of
sight to reduce the chances of visual stimulation.

3. Use treats and toys

As you leave the house, give your dog a chew-toy that has
your scent on it to keep him busy. This can help distract your pooch as you
leave and also keep him calm since the toy has your scent on it. The toy could
be a stuffed Kong toy or a safe chew bone stuffed with cheese spread or peanut
butter (without xylitol), but what counts is that the toys will keep their
mouth occupied with something aside from barking. Interactive treat toys are also a great way
of keeping their minds busy.

Similarly, give your dog treats as a way of rewarding him for
not barking. If he hears a noise from outside or doesn’t bark when you’re out
of sight, praise him and give him a treat. Rewarding your dog is an excellent
way of getting him to associate his refusal to react with something positive.

4. Create a quiet zone

A dog that suffers from separation anxiety shouldn’t be
allowed to move freely at home, so create a quiet zone for them in the house
where they can be when you aren’t at home. Ideally, the spot should be the
quietest part of the house like a back bedroom, utility room or space. You can
include a dog crate with comfortable bedding for them, and don’t forget to
leave some food and water for them too.

5. Uses exercises

Some dog breeds like retrievers, pointers, setters and
collies were originally used to work all day and they tend to become restless
if they’re under-exercised. They need to be kept busy or they might resort to
barking due to boredom. Experiment with different dog exercises to discover the
ones that come close to tiring your pooch out. A panting, utterly exhausted dog
will be too tired out to waste his remaining energy barking.

6. Hire A Dog Walker

Hire a dog walker if you are out at work all day to tire your dog out and to break up his day.

All in All

If you have applied all the tips above and still can’t seem to get your dog to stop barking, you might need extra help from a dog trainer/behaviourist. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.